Significant trees register
Our register of significant trees lists trees chosen for historical, cultural, social, ecological and visual appeal. Explore the interactive map, or find them by name or by suburb.
Sydney street trees
We manage planting, maintenance and removal in our area responsibly.
Related to Greening and nature
Tree management team
Street tree program
Street trees in the local area will be protected and maintained as part of our tree maintenance program.
Our arborists and management teams have worked closely with communities to develop the tree policies and street tree planting program. Find out more about the program in the street tree master plan.
Planting street trees
Over the past 17 years, more than 16,233 street trees have been planted throughout the local area. We plant the street trees in the cooler months of the year, from March to October, to ensure they don’t suffer heat stress and establish quickly.
We plant large trees that are suited to the surrounds. Using quality stock and improved installation and maintenance procedures means our newly planted trees will grow into healthy and mature specimens.
We plant hundreds of different trees each year. Check out the online map to see which species are selected for each street.
More street trees will be planted to ensure the various benefits they provide can be enjoyed by present and future generations. Our target is to increase the local area’s tree canopy by 50%.
Due to tree management and legal liability issues, only we should plant street trees, unless a condition of development approval is granted.
Maintenance of new street trees
We will regularly water, fertilise, weed and prune new trees while it establishes itself over its first year. This ensures street trees are assessed by our qualified teams and are set up to thrive as they mature in the years to come.
You can help us make sure the street trees in your area flourish by reporting any issues or concerns.
Street tree pruning
We plan and carry out street tree maintenance in the local area. This ensures street trees are assessed each year by our qualified teams and local greenery meets the highest arboricultural standards.
Street trees will be pruned to:
- remove any dead, dying or dangerous branches
- allow people and traffic to pass under the branches freely
- allow enough space underneath branches where they are near buildings
- improve their health
- ensure they don’t block traffic signs.
Street trees will not be pruned to:
- allow or improve a view
- reduce fruit or leaf fall, sap drop, bird droppings or similar
- increase street lighting onto private property
- violate in any way laws and regulations that protect trees.
If you believe a street tree requires pruning, please review the relevant tree management policies first. You should then contact us online. The tree will be assessed and any necessary work will be carried out by our staff.
Please do not prune street trees yourself. They are public property and it is our responsibility to look after them.
Street tree removal
Trees, like all living things, grow, age and eventually die. While tree removal is a last resort option, public safety is always a priority.
If we inspect a tree and decide to remove it for one of the reasons specified above, a sign is placed on the trunk giving the reason for removal and the replacement planting proposed. Contact details of the inspecting officer are also included in the sign.
Tree pruning for power line clearance
We do not prune trees for power line clearance. Ausgrid is responsible for pruning street trees in these circumstances and sets out the required clearance for its power lines.
Trees and their effects on drains and pipes
Tree roots can sometimes inadvertently impact sewer and stormwater pipes. It is important to establish the cause of the problem and who is responsible for rectifying it.
You can download the below fact sheet with some answers to the most commonly-asked questions.
Trees water sewer fact sheetPDF · 138.22 KB · Last modified
Trees and their effects on buildings and other structures
Roots from large trees can sometimes damage buildings, but these are just one of many reasons a building may start to show signs of damage. It's important to have expert advice to establish the cause of a problem, who is responsible and how it can be resolved.
You can download a fact sheet with some answers to the most commonly-asked questions.
Trees and their effects on buildings and other structuresPDF · 1.26 MB · Last modified
